Discover Garfield
9 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Passaic River Falls
Small, accessible urban waterfall on the Passaic River offering close-up flowing-water shots, sunset colors, and peaceful nature-urban contrast. Easy roadside access with a few parking spots; no entry fee. Best at golden hour or late afternoon for warm light and calmer crowds; weekdays and early mornings are quiet. Watch for busy road when leaving and pack a tripod for long exposures.
Dundee Dam
Small river dam and park on the Passaic River offering flowing-water details, reflective river scenes, and an industrial-urban backdrop. Quiet, often uncrowded — good for intimate nature and waterscape shots. Best at golden hour or on overcast days for even light; long exposures highlight the water flow. Limited street parking nearby, no entry fee, uneven footing and minimal facilities — visit weekdays or early morning for solitude.
Dahnert's Lake County Park
Small 10-acre park centered on a tranquil pond with walking paths, gazebos, lawns, playground and a roller-hockey rink. Great for intimate nature, portrait and wedding shoots—ducks, reflections and seasonal foliage add variety. Easy street parking; accessible paths. Best light at sunrise/sunset; weekdays quieter.
Belmont Hill County Park
Belmont Hill County Park offers quiet, elevated views over Garfield with mown lawns, tree-lined paths, Roman-style columns and scattered picnic areas — good for relaxed landscape and environmental portraits. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and long shadows; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Small parking lot on Schley St; paths are easy to walk. No entry fee. Local history and community events (July 4th fireworks) add seasonal photo opportunities.
Post Ford Park
Small riverside park on the north bank of the Passaic River with views of a low dam/falls, wooded shoreline, benches and fishing spots. Best at golden hour for warm light on moving water and reflections; autumn brings color. Easily reached from River Drive in Garfield; free entry and street parking nearby. Trails can be buggy and uneven—good for intimate nature shots and simple landscape compositions rather than grand panoramas.
Columbus Park - City of Champions
Small modern municipal park with a central fountain, playground, benches, a Babe Ruth ballfield and occasional events/carnival setups. Good for environmental portraits, candid family play, fountain long-exposures and night carnival lights. Visit sunrise or golden hour for soft light and empty grounds; evenings during local fairs for color and motion. Street parking on Outwater Ln; free entry and wheelchair-accessible paths. Expect families and kids—respect privacy.
Jewell Street Park
Small neighborhood green space with tree-lined paths, open lawns and playground elements—good for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and candid community/street scenes. Visit golden hour for warm side light; weekdays and early mornings minimize families. Easy street parking, flat paths for tripods; no entry fee. Modest but useful for practice shoots and neighborhood character.